The Mike Hanley Wagon Barn
Trains, planes, and automobiles are not what you’ll find here. For the past 70 years, Mr. Mike Hanley of Jordan Valley, Oregon, has amassed over 35 wagons, buggies, and stagecoaches from the Owyhee County and Jordan Valley areas. His ranch, once along the Skinner Toll Road which brought in the early pioneer settlers to Silver City, Dewey, and DeLamar, now houses many of these items that operated on the Toll Road.
In a heartwarming gesture, Mr. Hanley has decided to donate his entire collection to the Owyhee County Museum. The museum is overjoyed to receive this remarkable gift but faces a challenge: it needs to build a 9,000 square foot building to house the collection. The museum’s director, in collaboration with R&M Steel in Caldwell, has acquired the building. R&M Steel has generously donated the building to kickstart the fundraising efforts to construct the Wagon Barn.
Showalter Construction out of Marsing has also provided valuable assistance. They have donated equipment and time to level the property and prepare the ground for the future foundation. The museum’s current goal is to raise $350,000, which will cover the cost of laying the foundation, constructing the building, installing bathrooms, and electrical/lighting fixtures. The museum is actively seeking major donors or corporate sponsors to help make this project a reality.
We hope this project of having the largest collection of horse-drawn transportation in the State of Idaho has piqued your interest and inspired you to join the passions of the Museum Director and Board of the Owyhee County Museum. Their passion lies not only in preserving history but also in making it come alive for generations to come. The museum will stand as a beacon among all other county museums, demonstrating that dreams and support can achieve remarkable things.
As Walt Disney famously said, “If you can dream it, you can do it!”
We at the Owyhee County Museum envision a bright future and eagerly anticipate your support in making it a reality.
The photos below showcase our future plans for Wagon Barn.
Donor Levels
$350,000 Complete the project!
You will be our new best friend! You have the option of having your name added to the new Building. The name must be mutually agreed upon by both OCHS and the Donor. Your name will be honored with a tasteful plaque at the entrance to the building and be referred to in Museum literature and press releases.
In addition:
- A large exterior sign will be placed on the building in your honor.
- A life time membership for you and/or your company at the Museum.
- Inclusion in all museum special event advertising.
- A lifetime subscription to the Owyhee Outpost Journal.
- Private dinner hosted in the Wagon Barn by the Director, highlighting the completed project.
$10,000 to $50,000 +
Don’t worry you will also be our new best friend! You may choose to have yourself or your family/business honored by having your name affixed to the project. Your name will be honored with a tasteful plaque at the entrance to the building and be referred to in Museum literature and press releases.
In addition:
- A large commemorative plaque in your honor will be added to the building.
- A life time membership for you and/or your company at the Museum
- Inclusion in all museum special event advertising.
- A lifetime subscription to the Owyhee Outpost Journal.
- Private dinner hosted in the Wagon Barn by the Director, highlighting the completed project.